The following is a press release written by Lucas González for the City of Bloomington.
The City of Bloomington invites residents to apply for positions on multiple boards and commissions. These service opportunities will allow members of the public to directly participate in city government initiatives and policy-making processes. Positions are currently available as follows:
Board of Public Safety – The Board of Public Safety shall have control and oversee the police and fire department of the city pursuant to statute and shall have the authority to allow and approve claims.
- Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Mayor
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident
CDBG Funding Citizens Advisory Committee – Reviews and recommends Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for various community development projects.
- Seat(s) available: 2 • Appointed by: Mayor
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident
Commission on the Status of Children and Youth – Promotes connections that empower, enhance and nurture children and youth. The Commission will access resources and information to make recommendations to people and organizations with the authority to create and support systems that encourage the healthy development of children and youth.
- Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Common Council
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be either a City of Bloomington or Monroe County resident
Community Advisory on Public Safety Commission – Advises the Bloomington City Council on community perceptions of and preferences for public safety.
- Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Common Council
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident
Environmental Commission – Advises the City of Bloomington on how its actions and policies may preserve and enhance the quality of Bloomington’s environment, including the life-supporting processes that natural ecological systems provide to humans and other organisms.
- Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Mayor
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident
Historic Preservation Commission – Ensures the historic preservation of and design-conscious development in Bloomington's historic neighborhoods and buildings.
- Seat(s) available: 3 • Appointed by: Mayor (2), Common Council (1, Advisory Seat) (The Common Council appointment seats on this commission do not have voting privileges.)
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident
MPO Citizen Advisory Committee – The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a volunteer group of community representatives. The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) offers input on transportation planning to the Policy Committee and helps raise awareness of transportation policies.
- Seat(s) available: OPEN (There are no seat limits for this committee) • Individuals who wish to become members must complete a form from the MPO staff and attend three consecutive meetings.
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington, Monroe County, or Town of Ellettsville resident
Transportation Commission – Makes recommendations on relevant transportation and parking sections of the Bloomington Municipal Code, reviews all transportation-related projects, and proposes policies that promote safe, equitable and sustainable transportation and parking policies and decisions.
- Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Mayor
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident & MCCSC Affiliated
Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA) – Works to improve the economic, physical, and social environment for BUEA Zone residents and businesses. The BUEA Zone is an area north, west, and south of Downtown whose residents and businesses are eligible for scholarships, arts and business grants and tax incentives.
- Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Common Council
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a Zone Resident and of a differing political party from the other appointed zone resident
Term Expirations in December
Several terms on various boards and commissions are set to expire in December, opening exciting opportunities for individuals interested in contributing to their community.
Boards or Commissions with Seat Terms Expiring December 31, 2025, include:
- Board of Park Commissioners
- Board of Zoning Appeals
- Dispatch Policy Board
- Historic Preservation Commission
- Redevelopment Commission
- Utilities Service Board
- Plat Committee
- Environmental Resources Advisory Council
After submitting an application, candidates must be appointed to the boards or commissions by either the Bloomington Common Council or Mayor Kerry Thomson. City residency is required for most, but not all, of the boards and commissions.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend a meeting of their board or commission of interest before applying. Meeting schedules for each body can be accessed at bloomington.in.gov/public-meetings. All board and commission meetings are open to the public, allowing prospective members to gain a clear understanding of the work involved.
This notice is issued in accordance with Bloomington Municipal Code 2.02.020.
For more information on current vacancies or to apply, visitbloomington.in.gov/onboard/committees.
